Daddy and his off-springs

[kissfromarose]

Originally Posted by texex91

This thread is getting very dangerous to my pocketbook...

I will not open this thread again, I will not open this thread again, I will not open this thread again, I will not open this thread again, I will not open this thread again...

+1!!! (but +1 on the fail also haha)

[dsk28]

Originally Posted by kissfromarose

+1!!! (but +1 on the fail also haha)

[Hairdude1]

Awesome pics

[dsk28]

Originally Posted by orangedial

OK... Here we go

PART 1 - Ceramic Diver

First impression: High tech, stealthy with a sharp killer look



The ceramic is highly resistant to scratch and has a layer of sheen which make the watch glows. I was initially reserved about the orange accent on the dial, but, as with all other AP watches, its harmonious design can only be best appreciated when you see the timepiece in real life.



There are many subtle differences between this model and its cousins, i.e. the SS & FC Divers, which I wouldn't elaborate in this mini review. However, the most remarkable and obvious difference is... the Diver has gone bare back this time
With a transparent case back fully exposes the wonderful 3120 workhorse yet retaining its 300m water resistant rating, I think the engineering achievement deserves a big round of applause!



So, SS, FC or Ceramic? Personally, SS is my choice because of its masculine and utilitarian look. The SS is also relatively more cost effective to own. FC is the lightest among the lot, while the ceramic Diver is only slightly heavier than FC. Both the blackened Divers wear slightly smaller than the SS, but their avant-garde materials and killer looks would woo many curious hearts (and deep pockets). Unfortunately, the boutique has just sold off an FC Diver. Otherwise, it would be great to put all three variances together for a side-by-side comparison.



Stay tuned for Part 2

Wonderful pics... Although I'd have to say, the SS still edges out by a bit! Should I just blame Ben for taking such wonderful pics of his SS Diver?

[benlee]

Agree the SS Diver is still the best! I do however, wish that it has a back display like the Ceramic.

[dsk28]

Yes Ben that back display is sexy...

[orangedial]

I'm dreaming of this Diver: Titanium case, ceramic/cermet bezel, display back, ceramic crowns, 300m WR. If only it could be customised...

[dsk28]

Wayne, I'd love to see the Diver with Ti casing all round + display back. That would be awesome.

[singe89]

Originally Posted by orangedial

I'm dreaming of this Diver: Titanium case, ceramic/cermet bezel, display back, ceramic crowns, 300m WR. If only it could be customised...

agreed!!!

Add a 44mm Ti ROO as well to the current non-LE 44mm ROO lineup.

Both would be light weight, super strong, have the nice brushed and polished finishes and would have great contrast between the black ceramic and gray Ti (different than the blacked out ceramic/forged carbon).

[travisb]

If only the SS Diver had a see through case back. Not a deal breaker though.
The ceramic Diver is definately one that I'm looking foward to checking out.

[psv]

Originally Posted by orangedial

I'm dreaming of this Diver: Titanium case, ceramic/cermet bezel, display back, ceramic crowns, 300m WR. If only it could be customised...

That is exactly my dream ROO Diver!

[edo]

FC case, ceremet bezel, display with red accents... Trulli Diver :)

[orangedial]

C44 review coming soon...

[orangedial]

Finally...

Part 2 - Ceramic ROO Chronograph 44mm (C-44)



Like the C-Diver, the C-44 glows with its ceramic casing. The glossy nature of the ceramic reflects light effortlessly and flashes it like a luxury timepiece should be.

So how does it compare with its FC cousin? Do you like the smooth & sleek finishing on the ceramic? Or the marble-like texture of the forged carbon? Let the pictures do the talking...





Pardon the specks of dust. But they illustrate very well how clean cut the ceramic surface is, and how the forged carbon camouflage surface imperfection (I'm sure there was dust!). The ceramic is a tad heavier than FC, but not much really.

A perspective wrist shot below shows off the flashy C-44 perfectly.



So, what is your preferred choice between the C-44 & FC44?

Personally, I prefer FC44 due to the uniqueness of the material and its manufacturing technique. FC44 doesn't flash like C-44, but it is ok because it is designed to be stealthy. Do I like C-44 then? Of course, how can I not? I fully appreciate the tough workmanship required to finish the ceramic case to the trademark look of RO with exquisite vertical brush and mirror-polished chamfers. I can understand why it took so long for AP to roll out ceramic models when the market has already been flooded with ceramic watches in various types and forms. And the answer is simple: It takes time to achieve perfection.



So, that sums up my views about the two ceramic ROO models from SIHH'13. Hope you enjoy reading!

[diver2012]

Thanks for posting!

[dsk28]

Thanks for the wonderful shots & review Wayne!

A few questions about the ceramic, how heavier is it compared to the FC? Do you feel any difference when testing it out on your wrist? Will it be a boutique only edition or will be it be rolled out to other ADs as well? How much is the price range for the 44Ceramic?

Sorry for the many questions but I am just too excited about the new Ceramic pieces!

[Demonoid]

Wayne, I can only say this..........
Thank you! Excellent review and a great cover story. You surely know how to keep us entertained. I look forward to inspecting these beauties when they show up here in September.

[psv]

Again, thank you so much for the trip report.

[boursachi]

thanks a lot! great reviews
Ceramic orange diver looks much better than i had initially thought

but now i cannot help but wonder
surely, AP will release the WHITE dial 44 ROO with a Ceramic case?
can you imagine how THAT would look?

[Soly20]

Thanks for the pictures and reviews. Great thread!

[kissfromarose]

Personally a much bigger fan of the C-44 than the FC-44. I appreciate the work that goes into the FC, but just find that the swirls in it just make it not look as clean, though more unique. Had there been a C-44 earlier, I might have considered it over my RG-44.

Thanks so much for posting the pics!

[conkers]

My dealer is driving me nuts with lack of information on delivery times for some of the 2013 models......

[orangedial]

Thanks for all your kind words, guys!

Originally Posted by dsk28

Thanks for the wonderful shots & review Wayne!

A few questions about the ceramic, how heavier is it compared to the FC? Do you feel any difference when testing it out on your wrist? Will it be a boutique only edition or will be it be rolled out to other ADs as well? How much is the price range for the 44Ceramic?

Sorry for the many questions but I am just too excited about the new Ceramic pieces!

dsk - I would say the weight of the ceramic is in between the FC & SS, but leaning towards the FC. You can tell the weight difference on wrist but certainly not significant. MSRP is SGD51k. I can't confirm if it is boutique exclusive, but I feel that it is quite unlikely.

Originally Posted by Demonoid

Wayne, I can only say this..........
Thank you! Excellent review and a great cover story. You surely know how to keep us entertained. I look forward to inspecting these beauties when they show up here in September.

Logan - Glad that you are as entertained as I did when I was preparing the review

Originally Posted by boursachi

thanks a lot! great reviews
Ceramic orange diver looks much better than i had initially thought

but now i cannot help but wonder
surely, AP will release the WHITE dial 44 ROO with a Ceramic case?
can you imagine how THAT would look?

boursachi - I have thought about the exact question, a WHITE ceramic ROO! Now there is a new LE which is very close to our imagination! Stay tuned for my experience on that interesting piece

[texex91]

Great pics. Like the 44mm ceramic, but I do think the 44mm FC has a little more 'pop'. Then again I'm biased. Great review!

[orangedial]

Originally Posted by texex91

Great pics. Like the 44mm ceramic, but I do think the 44mm FC has a little more 'pop'. Then again I'm biased. Great review!

Paul, I share the same sentiment and preference
Congrats again on your new addition

[boursachi]

Originally Posted by orangedial

boursachi - I have thought about the exact question, a WHITE ceramic ROO! Now there is a new LE which is very close to our imagination! Stay tuned for my experience on that interesting piece

WOW, just wow. You tease, LOL!
I honestly cannot remember if I have indeed seen a similar picture, a white ceramic glossy bezel, or if this is the first time, and I have only dreamt of it.

A white-WHITE ROO would go along way with me. I did the steel brushed, did the ceramic/carbon, and have the carbon/carbon marble, and have a contrasting one incoming (I tease, too!).

Naturally, white has to be it!
I have spent a good amount of time considering the Richard Mille RM055. I have come to the conclusion that THAT would require letting go of a CAR. I would, I am that crazy; just not now. So the ROO, in white, can definitely come at the exact right time!

Do tell me more, please.

[ra's ag]

Great review and covered differently than many other posts. Thanks.

[Peppers90]

Originally Posted by orangedial

Sorry my friends! I'm very busy today and the review is still in the making. I'll try to post it when I reach home later.

Meanwhile...

The SIHH'13 models


And some parking shots

I will take ANY of those diamonds pieces!! Stunning!!!!!!!! Actually I think the rose gold with black dial is my favorite! Is there a style/sku for this one, I must start saving ASAP

[FeelingTheBlues]

Goodness gracious, those pieces are stunning!

Please keep those pictures coming!

[codecow]

Do the chronos have the display back?